How to use iceberg orders on Kraken?

Using iceberg orders on Kraken allows traders to execute large crypto trades discreetly by showing only a small visible portion, while keeping the rest hidden.

Apr 26, 2025 at 05:49 pm

Using iceberg orders on Kraken can be a strategic approach to trading large volumes of cryptocurrencies without significantly impacting the market price. Iceberg orders allow traders to place large orders that are only partially visible to the market, with the rest hidden from public view. This technique can help traders execute big trades more discreetly and potentially at better prices. In this article, we will walk you through the detailed process of setting up and using iceberg orders on Kraken.

Understanding Iceberg Orders

Before diving into the specifics of using iceberg orders on Kraken, it's important to understand what they are and how they function. An iceberg order is a type of limit order where only a small portion of the total order quantity is visible to other market participants. The visible portion, known as the "peak," is replenished as it gets filled, while the larger, hidden portion, known as the "iceberg," remains undisclosed. This allows traders to buy or sell large amounts of cryptocurrency without revealing their full trading intentions to the market.

Accessing the Trading Platform

To start using iceberg orders on Kraken, you first need to access the trading platform. Log in to your Kraken account and navigate to the trading section. Kraken offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to execute different types of orders, including iceberg orders.

• Select the trading pair you wish to trade. For example, if you want to trade Bitcoin (BTC) against US Dollars (USD), you would select the BTC/USD pair.
• Navigate to the order form by clicking on the "New Order" button.

Setting Up an Iceberg Order

Once you are in the order form, you can set up your iceberg order. Kraken's platform allows you to specify the total order size and the visible size of the order.

• Choose the order type as "Iceberg Order" from the dropdown menu.
• Enter the total order size. This is the full amount of cryptocurrency you want to buy or sell.
• Set the visible size. This is the portion of your order that will be visible to other traders on the order book. The visible size must be smaller than the total order size.
• Specify the limit price. This is the price at which you want your order to be executed.
• Review your order details to ensure everything is correct. Make sure the total order size, visible size, and limit price are as intended.
• Submit the order by clicking on the "Submit Order" button.

Monitoring and Managing Your Iceberg Order

After submitting your iceberg order, it's important to monitor and manage it effectively. Kraken provides tools to help you keep track of your orders.

• Check the order status in the "Open Orders" section of your account. You can see the visible portion of your order on the order book, but remember that the full order size is only visible to you.
• Monitor the execution of your order. As the visible portion gets filled, Kraken will automatically replenish it with the hidden portion until the entire order is executed or canceled.
• Modify or cancel the order if necessary. You can adjust the visible size or the limit price, or cancel the order altogether from the "Open Orders" section.

Tips for Using Iceberg Orders Effectively

To maximize the effectiveness of iceberg orders on Kraken, consider the following tips:

• Choose the right visible size. The visible size should be large enough to attract interest but small enough to not reveal your full trading intentions.
• Set a competitive limit price. This increases the chances of your order being filled quickly without significantly impacting the market.
• Monitor market conditions. Be aware of market volatility and liquidity, as these can affect the execution of your iceberg order.
• Use iceberg orders strategically. They are particularly useful for large trades where minimizing market impact is important.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While using iceberg orders on Kraken, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Order not filling. If your order is not filling, check if the limit price is too far from the current market price. Adjusting the limit price closer to the market price might help.
• Visible size not replenishing. Ensure that the total order size is larger than the visible size. If the visible size is filled and there's no more hidden size left, the order will not replenish.
• Order canceled unexpectedly. This could happen if the market moves rapidly and your order becomes invalid. Always monitor your orders closely and be prepared to adjust or cancel them if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use iceberg orders for all trading pairs on Kraken?

A: Iceberg orders are available for most trading pairs on Kraken, but it's always a good idea to check the specific pair you are interested in to ensure this feature is supported.

Q: How does Kraken handle the visibility of iceberg orders in its order book?

A: Kraken displays only the visible portion of your iceberg order in the public order book. The hidden portion remains undisclosed to other traders.

Q: Are there any fees associated with using iceberg orders on Kraken?

A: Kraken's fee structure applies to all types of orders, including iceberg orders. The fees depend on your trading volume and the specific trading pair. You can find more details on Kraken's fee page.

Q: Can I convert an existing limit order to an iceberg order?

A: No, you cannot convert an existing limit order to an iceberg order. You would need to cancel the existing order and place a new one as an iceberg order.